Souan Yokocho

Soan Yokochou is known as the birthplace restaurant of Ureshino Onsen’s specialty “onsen yudofu” (hot-spring tofu). The shop makes its own tofu, so you can enjoy it freshly made on-site. Soybeans grown in Ureshino’s soil are sweet, and when used in yudofu, it becomes so rich that it feels as though the tofu itself is releasing broth—umami components dissolve into the hot water, turning it thick and white, creating a melting, deeply flavorful yudofu. The most popular menu item is the “Special Yudofu Set Meal,” featuring yudofu with fish and shrimp plus small side dishes. The shop also sells yudofu sets and souvenirs, including not only tofu but also the umami sauce and even the cooking water, so you can recreate the taste at home. Access: by public transportation, take the JR bus to Ureshino from JR Sasebo Line “Takeo-Onsen Station” (about 25 minutes), get off at “Ureshino Onsen Bus Center,” then walk 5 minutes. Direct buses run from Fukuoka and Nagasaki airports; shared taxis from Saga Airport are available. By car, it is about 3–6 minutes from Ureshino IC.